There's nothing quite like restoring a classic American muscle car. Beginning production for the first time in 1964, the Pontiac GTO became one of the most popular muscle cars of all time. While Pontiac GTOs were built well, if you get your hands on an older model there's a good chance you have to restore it.
Fortunately, JEGS has all of the Pontiac restoration parts you need to help your next Pontiac GTO restoration go smoothly.
What to Know Before Getting Started
Restoring a Pontiac GTO is an enjoyable project for many but it's important to consider a few things before you get started. The first thing you need to do is determine the type of project it's going to be. Consider whether or not you want to salvage parts or start from scratch.
Starting from scratch gives you more freedom with the build but the cost is higher. On the other hand, salvaging parts is cheaper but you have to work with what you're able to find. For specific parts, like 1969 Pontiac GTO restoration parts, salvaging parts makes the process more challenging.
Another factor to consider is time and effort. Make sure you have a plan in place for who will work on the Pontiac GTO restoration. Will a shop be doing the work? Or will the work be done in your driveway? Answering these questions is important before starting because moving a half-finished 1967 Pontiac GTO is a lot of unnecessary work.
It's also a great idea to set a budget and determine where you'll get the parts. While you may be able to barter at salvage yards for a lower price, it's best to get parts for your Pontiac GTO through a reputable distributor like JEGS. Make sure you write down a list of what you need and create a schedule to help you stick to the restoration project.
Tools and Equipment
When restoring a Pontiac GTO you need a few tools. Having the right tools and equipment will help your project go smoothly and prevent unwanted delays.
The tools you need to restore a Pontiac GTO are listed below:
- Electrical testers
- Spring compressor
- A full set of box wrenches or combination wrenches
- Flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers
- Ratchets
- Socket wrench extensions
- SAE socket set
- Welder
- Air compressor
- Torque wrench
- Pliers
It's also helpful to have equipment like an engine hoist, floor jack, and transmission jack. Auto body kits and paint booths for the finishing touches and bodywork are also helpful.
When doing a restoration, it's always a good idea to work in a dedicated space so that you don't misplace your tools or equipment.
Cost of Pontiac Restoration
Restoring a Pontiac GTO is not cheap but it doesn't have to break the bank. Depending on what you need to do, most shops will charge between $40,000 and $60,000. While this covers the majority of the restoration, a good paint job can add another $5,000 to $10,000 to the job. Labor costs vary between $50 and $150 per hour, which influences the outcome of the cost.
If you plan on restoring a Pontiac GTO yourself, the cost is a little less. Including all of the parts and tools, expect to pay between $15,000 and $40,000 to restore a Pontiac GTO.
Key Decisions to Make: Repair or Replace
When restoring a Pontiac GTO you have to make key decisions. The most important decision to make is whether you should replace or repair parts. While it's better to repair some parts, it's a good idea to replace some parts when you're restoring a 1965 or 1969 Pontiac GTO (or any other year GTO)..
Take the transmission as an example. If the shell is intact, it's better to replace the gears and fluids instead of replacing the entire transmission. The same applies to the engine block. If the block is intact you don't need to replace the whole engine. Instead, it's better to replace the smaller parts like the belts and pistons.
You also have a lot of liberty when it comes to pipes like the air intake, headers, and exhaust. Many pipes can be altered or welded, so there's no need to replace them unless they're rusty.
Helpful Resources
There are several helpful resources you can use to restore a Pontiac GTO. Many of these resources are websites and forums that include places to get parts and general discussions about Pontiac GTO restoration. For example, there's an entire forum dedicated to restoring 1969 Pontiac GTOs.
Below are the helpful resources to help you restore a GTO Pontiac model:
- Online classic and vintage car parts stores; JEGS has many parts for the Pontiac GTO
- YouTube for video tutorials
- The Pontiac GTO repair / shop manual
- Vehicle restoration garages
- Automotive blogs
- Forums about cars and classic car restoration
- Social media
- Hardware stores
Accessing these resources will help you finish your Pontiac GTO restoration build much faster. And when you’re looking for the parts you need or the tools to do the job right, find it all at JEGS.
